3 stats 49ers must improve upon in Week 3 vs. Packers

No. 2: 49ers offense must be better on 3rd down

One might think San Francisco should counter with an improved rushing attack, too, especially considering it’s ranked 24th overall through two weeks with an average of only 3.8 yards per carry.

But with a banged-up running back room already missing Raheem Mostert (knee), Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) and JaMycal Hasty (ankle), that might be too difficult a task.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the passing game might be called upon to deliver the bulk of the offense on Sunday. And while it might be fair to question Garoppolo’s ability to throw beyond 10 yards from the line of scrimmage, a short-area passing attack can usually work as an extension of the run game.

The area where this needs to improve, however? On third downs.

To date, the 49ers are averaging third-down conversions just 39.1 percent of the time, which is currently tied for 17th best through Week 2.

That might work against lesser opponents like the Lions and Eagles. But knowing every opportunity to keep Aaron Rodgers off the field is a golden one, Garoppolo and the 49ers offense will need to ensure that number climbs.

In 2019, Garoppolo was money on third down, completing 50 percent of his third-down attempts for a successful first down.

If Jimmy G and the offense can pull that out in Week 3, the Niners will be en route to a win.